We define philanthropy as the giving of resources in an engaged and strategic way for maximum impact and in a tax efficient manner. It can include the giving of money, assets, time, talent, voice and one’s social capital. We believe in the power of philanthropy as a great social connector and the source of many great opportunities.

You may already be social investment ready...

Jan 26th 2018

Ben Rick, Managing Director, Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) shares five tips on being investment-ready.

What makes an organisation suitable for social investment? This is a question we’re often asked by potential investees. As providers of simple finance for UK charities and social enterprises, we do of course receive many applications for finance from organisations who simply aren’t ready for investment.

But we also believe there are many fantastic organisations with investible ideas who don’t apply. We think that this may often be due to a lack of clarity about what the social investment offer is or concern about the process of raising investment. And sometimes just a lack of confidence in the idea.

Here are some recommendations for organisations considering their first steps into this world.

1. It’s all about the people

We have learned that whatever the numbers say, people are key to the success of an investment. That’s why we have backed near start-ups and organisations doing interesting things, or entering new geographies for the first time. The ability of the team to demonstrate their skills and successes is as important as a good corporate track record.

And it’s not just the management team – quality governance is a key consideration in our investment decisions. The stronger the better. We can take more risk if there is a motivated group of experienced people surrounding the management team.

2. The importance of income generation

Our investment is often used to unlock new revenue streams. An organisation requiring capital to develop a new service that once established will unlock access to a contract is appealing. This is often the case when organisations are considering their ability to deliver a service to a local authority or another type of commissioner.

3. Financial returns

Social Investors understand the problem. Investees need to be able to demonstrate they can pay back finance, but social investors work in the world of government cuts and understand the pressure of shrinking expenditure on vital services. We are increasingly finding ways to work with investees to share risk as a way of unlocking opportunities for them such as through our new housing structure which allows organisations to get exposure to the benefits of owning residential property for their beneficiaries whilst SASC absorbs the downside risks. Another approach we have taken is providing the working capital for organisations taking on payment by results contracts where SASC shares the risk of contract delivery.

4. Preparing the business case

Where available we recommend that investees submit 3-5 years’ worth of historic financial information and a well thought through business plan and projections - substance over style for the business plan. And investees shouldn’t worry if past performance has been mixed, we know this is only part of the story – we’ll need an explanation, but we’re really looking to understand how the situation will change in the future. Having a good narrative is vital for potential investees. A clear link between how the investment will be used and how it will be repaid is also key.

5. Projecting the costs

We recommend that investees are careful when projecting costs. Being overly conservative can undermine interest in the project – but it is also important for them to remember they will need be able to justify and explain the numbers. Comparing their projections against other organisations doing something similar is a good way to make sure they are striking the right balance.

We know there are many organisations out there with great ideas that would be ideal for social investment. We hope these tips will encourage some of them to apply in 2018.

SASC provides simple finance for extraordinary charities and social enterprises. We believe greater access to the right kind of investment makes charities and social enterprises better able to tackle society's most pressing challenges. Our funds provide flexible capital to enable social sector organisations to grow their social impact, improving the lives of disadvantaged people across the UK. SASC is a social enterprise.

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City Philanthropy – A Wealth of Opportunity is a three-year project funded by the City of London Corporation's charity City Bridge Trust. It aims to promote more effective philanthropy among City professionals earlier in their careers and position the City of London as a leading global centre for philanthropy. To find out more click here